Caulk and sealant shaping solution and method

ABSTRACT

A sealant shaping solution and method includes applying a sealant shaping solution to a sealant applied to seal an opening, and to at least a portion of one or more surfaces adjacent to the sealant, and shaping the sealant into the opening before the sealant shaping solution substantially evaporates, the sealant shaping solution to prevent the sealant from adhering to areas of the one or more surfaces to which the sealant shaping solution has been applied, at least until the sealant shaping solution substantially evaporates.

BACKGROUND

An embodiment of the present invention relates to the field of caulk and sealant, and more specifically to a caulk and sealant shaping solution and method of application.

Conventional caulk and sealant shaping tools have been in use for years. Some caulk and sealant shaping tools comprise plastic devices of various shapes and configurations that are used to smooth and shape a caulk or sealant joint, either during or after application. Another type of caulk and sealant shaping tool is a rubber “tool” that slips over one's finger to help smooth and shape a caulk or sealant joint. For either of these example approaches to applying caulk and/or sealant, to help protect the adjoining surfaces, a protective tape, such as painter's tape, may be applied.

One issue with many conventional caulk and sealant shaping tools is that they tend to spread the caulk onto adjoining or adjacent surfaces as the excess caulk or sealant builds up and spreads out in front of, or to the sides of, the tool. This can create an unsightly mess and potentially degrade the integrity of the caulk or sealant joint because the material may be pulled out of the joint during the tooling process. Further, there is no protection of the adjoining surfaces unless the user applies protective tape to all adjacent surfaces that will not have caulk or sealant applied to them. The protective tape may be expensive and may take a substantial amount of time to apply and/or remove.

Another issue with many conventional caulk and sealant shaping tools is that their rigid shape may prevent them from conforming to irregular surfaces such as natural or man-made stone, grout joints in tile, ornate trim profiles or unusually shaped applications, for example. Further, since shaping devices typically must be held at a specific angle to achieve the desirable goal of shaping a consistent and aesthetically pleasing caulk or sealant joint, they can also be cumbersome and difficult to get into corners and other tight spaces, such as behind a faucet. These devices also may not be helpful in shaping or smoothing a joint where materials are abutted to one another on the same plane without creating a mess.

Further, using the above-described approaches, fine-tuning of the joint and cleanup of tools and hands may be time consuming.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the present invention provides a new sealant shaping solution and method. For one embodiment, a sealant shaping solution is applied to freshly applied sealant, such as caulk, and at least portions of adjacent surfaces. Then, before the sealant shaping solution has substantially evaporated, the sealant is shaped to seal a desired opening, the sealant shaping solution preventing the sealant from adhering to a finger or other shaping tool or to adjacent surfaces, at least until the shaping solution substantially evaporates.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various objects, features and attendant advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a flow diagram showing a method of one embodiment for sealing an opening.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide a new sealant shaping solution and method of application that may be used to relatively easily shape and smooth an aesthetically pleasing caulk or other sealant joint.

Referring to FIG. 1, a method of one embodiment includes applying a sealant, such as, for example, caulk, to an opening to be sealed at block 10. At block 15, a sealant shaping solution is then applied to the sealant and to at least a portion of one or more surfaces adjacent to the applied sealant. The sealant shaping solution may typically be applied to the sealant and adjacent surfaces almost immediately after the application of the sealant (i.e. to freshly applied sealant) to provide time to shape the sealant while it is most workable.

At block 20, the sealant is shaped to seal the opening before the sealant shaping solution substantially evaporates. The sealant shaping solution of one embodiment prevents the sealant from adhering to the portions of the surfaces to which the sealant shaping solution was applied and/or to a finger or shaping tool used to shape the sealant, at least until the sealant shaping solution substantially evaporates.

As described above, the sealant shaping solution may be a liquid solution that is applied to freshly applied (i.e. still workable enough to be shaped into a joint) caulk or other sealant and adjoining surfaces. The sealant shaping solution of one embodiment may comprise Isopropyl Alcohol, hereinafter referred to as IPA. For some embodiments, it is desirable for the IPA to be of relatively high purity to reduce the potential for interaction or residue, for example. The percentage of IPA in the sealant shaping solution, for one embodiment, may be anywhere in the range of 50-100% of the shaping solution. For other embodiments, a different percentage may be used so long as the desired lubricative qualities of the shaping solution are maintained. For embodiments in which the IPA is less than 100% of the shaping solution, the shaping solution may also comprise, for example, de-ionized or another type of water.

IPA may be a desirable component of the sealant shaping solution for one embodiment because it provides desirable evaporative and lubricative qualities, but does not appear to contaminate or otherwise adversely alter the characteristics of caulk or other commonly used sealants, and its subsequent curing and it does not leave a residue. It may be desirable to mix de-ionized or another type of water with the IPA to reduce flammability as well as dilute the IPA to a desired strength. De-ionized water may be preferable for some embodiments to reduce the possibility of residue, oxidation or adverse interactions with surface materials. For some embodiments, a fragrance may be added to make the sealant shaping solution more pleasant smelling for some people.

While the sealant shaping solution of one embodiment is described as including IPA and, in some cases, water and/or fragrance, it will be appreciated that numerous other ingredients or combinations of ingredients that alone or in combination provide similar lubricative and/or evaporative qualities may be used to provide the sealant shaping solution of various embodiments. These include but are not limited to Acetone, Mineral Spirits, Methyl Alcohols, Butyl Alcohols, some volatile compounds and some solvents, for example.

The sealant shaping solution may be applied using a spray bottle or other spray mechanism (e.g. trigger powered or finger pump sprayers), or a wipe or towelette, for example. Other approaches, such as applying the sealant shaping solution directly on a tool or a finger, for example, are within the scope of various embodiments. Where a spray bottle is used, for example, the container and spray mechanism consist of materials that are compatible with the sealant shaping solution. A spray bottle or other type of sprayer may allow the user to more evenly distribute the sealant shaping solution on freshly applied caulk or other sealant and adjacent surfaces.

As described above, according to one or more embodiments, a user applies the appropriate caulk or sealant for a particular job in a well-known manner. The sealant shaping solution may then be applied immediately thereafter over the caulk or sealant and at least portions of adjoining surfaces where the sealant may spread during shaping.

The user may then push or otherwise shape the caulk or other sealant into the joint with his/her finger or any one of the many available caulk bead tools. The lubricative qualities of the sealant shaping solution may allow the user to slide his/her finger or a caulk bead tool, for example, quickly over the caulk or other sealant. This action allows the user to shape and smooth the caulk or sealant into an aesthetically pleasing joint. After the sealant shaping solution is properly applied, it also allows the user to smooth any bubbles or irregularities and fill any voids that may have occurred during the application of the caulk or sealant.

Excess caulk or sealant that normally builds up while smoothing a joint using conventional methods usually spreads to the adjoining surfaces of the materials and may cause an unsightly mess. This excess caulk or sealant may be extremely difficult to remove before, during, and after the caulk or sealant has cured. By applying the sealant shaping solution properly before smoothing a caulk or sealant joint, the caulk or sealant does not adhere to adjoining surfaces that have been coated with the sealant shaping solution thereby facilitating an aesthetically pleasing, consistent joint. If any excess caulk or sealant does build up while using the sealant shaping solution, the caulk or sealant may build up on the finger or application tool of the user, thereby making it relatively easy to clean.

After the user has shaped the joint to his/her satisfaction, there is no further action or cleaning necessary. The sealant shaping solution will evaporate relatively quickly leaving no residue. The caulk or sealant will then cure substantially as it would without the sealant shaping solution.

Using this approach, it may be possible for many people, regardless of experience, to properly shape and smooth an aesthetically pleasing caulk joint. In this manner, the average “do it yourselfer” may be more confident, for example, in performing routine repairs and improvements that have to be caulked or sealed, possibly avoiding expensive repairs and potential mold growth around wet areas of the home.

Further, using the approach of one or more embodiments, it may be possible to push or otherwise shape sealant into a joint in a manner that creates less sealant overflow and other mess associated with conventional sealant application methods while potentially providing more surface area to adhere to and making solid contact so that joint will have stronger integrity and last longer.

Further, using the sealant shaping approach of one or more embodiments may allow a user to apply caulk or another sealant to irregular surfaces more easily because one's finger can be used to help shape the sealant where desired. An aesthetically pleasing result may be achieved regardless of the width or shape of an opening to be sealed.

Where a finger or other tool is used to shape the sealant, the above-described embodiments may be advantageous in preventing residue build-up on fingers or other tools without having to apply water or saliva.

A sealant shaping solution and method of various embodiments is described. The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of various embodiments. Numerous modifications and variations may readily occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents are considered to fall within the scope of the invention. 

1. A method comprising: applying a sealant shaping solution to a sealant applied to seal an opening, and to at least a portion of one or more surfaces adjacent to the sealant; and shaping the sealant into the opening before the sealant shaping solution substantially evaporates, the sealant shaping solution to prevent the sealant from adhering to areas of the one or more surfaces to which the sealant shaping solution has been applied, at least until the sealant shaping solution substantially evaporates.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein applying the sealant shaping solution to the sealant includes applying the sealant shaping solution to caulk.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein applying the sealant shaping solution includes applying a sealant shaping solution that includes one of isopropyl alcohol, acetone, mineral spirits, methyl alcohol and butyl alcohol.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein applying the sealant shaping solution includes applying a sealant shaping solution that includes isopropyl alcohol and water.
 5. The method of claim 4 wherein applying the sealant shaping solution includes applying a sealant shaping solution that includes between 100% and 50% isopropyl alcohol and between 0% and 50% water.
 6. The method of claim 4 wherein applying the sealant shaping solution includes applying a sealant shaping solution that includes isopropyl alcohol and de-ionized water.
 7. The method of claim 4 wherein applying the sealant shaping solution includes applying a sealant shaping solution that includes isopropyl alcohol, water and fragrance.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein shaping the sealant into the opening includes shaping the sealant into the opening with one of a finger and a sealant shaping tool. 